Secretary for Security Talks of International Security 

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose SK Lee, addressed a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Association in London on September 16 and presented Hong Kong’s perspective on regional and international security.

While Hong Kong is traditionally a safe area, with a low crime rate and relatively remote risk of a terrorist strike, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong remains determined to make it as difficult as possible for terrorists to exploit its facilities.

International co-operation is “first and foremost among the many keys to the puzzle,” said Mr Lee. Hong Kong quickly responded to the Container Security Initiative, and has worked closely with organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization in implementing security and safety measures. With the globalization of not just trade, but crime, cross-border security has been tackled to enable the curbing of the flow of terrorist and criminal monies. 

“On the domestic front, we are building on our existing system of control, based on the rule of law,” explained Mr Lee. As an independent customs and immigration area separate from the Mainland, Hong Kong maintains its membership in organizations such as the WTO, APEC and the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering. 

With nationals of over 170 countries and jurisdictions granted visa-free access to Hong Kong, and a daily average of 350,000 passenger and 31,000 vehicular crossings at the border with the Mainland, Mr Lee said his challenge is to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of customs and immigration controls, while maximizing the flow of people and goods. 

Mr Lee told the gathering that the implementation of smart card information technology “has enabled us to process and maintain immigration information more effectively.” Later this year, he said, Hong Kong will introduce Automated Passenger Clearance and Automated Vehicle Clearance Systems for immigration clearance that is more efficient and security conscious.

Mr Lee emphasized that Hong Kong has always been, and will remain, a responsible partner to its friends and allies all around the world. He spoke of Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial spirit and said, “From my perspective, security lies at the heart of Hong Kong’s continued success. It is the cornerstone upon which we guarantee our prosperity and make further progress.” 

However, he added, security cannot be taken for granted. “We need to work together to find better solutions,” he said. “I am sure Hong Kong will continue to benefit from the wise counsel of our international friends.”

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